Product classification
HS code for Hot air balloons: 8801.00
Balloons and dirigibles, gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.
Classification of hot air balloons under HS 8801.00
Hot air balloons are classified under HS code 8801.00, a heading that covers all non-powered aircraft. This classification is based on the principle of flight; since hot air balloons rely on the buoyancy of heated air rather than a mechanical engine to generate lift and propulsion, they are grouped with other non-powered craft such as gliders, hang gliders, and dirigibles. The Harmonized System distinguishes between powered aircraft (heading 8802) and non-powered ones. Even though a hot air balloon utilizes a propane burner to heat the air inside the envelope, this burner is not considered a power source for propulsion in the same way an internal combustion engine or jet engine functions. The classification includes the entire flight-ready unit, which typically consists of the envelope (the balloon part), the basket or gondola for carrying passengers, and the burner assembly. If these components are imported together as a functional unit, they fall under 8801.00. This code is essential for distinguishing recreational and commercial balloons from motorized aircraft and toy balloons.
- Covers
- Manned hot air balloons
- Unmanned scientific research balloons
- Dirigible balloons (non-powered)
- Hot air balloon envelopes with baskets
- Non-powered weather balloons
- Also under 8801.00
- Cameron Balloons (hot air balloons)
- Schempp-Hirth (sailplanes)
- DG Flugzeugbau (gliders)
- Ozone Paragliding (paragliders)
- Wills Wing (hang gliders)
Codes often confused with 8801.00
Common mistake. Hot air balloons are often misclassified under 8802.11 or 8802.20, which are for powered aircraft like helicopters or airplanes. They are also frequently confused with 9503.00 if they are small-scale toy balloons intended for children. Parts of balloons should be checked against 8807 to ensure they are not classified as complete units.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880100 (the code used for hot air balloons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880100 (the code used for hot air balloons) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 33% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880100, not only hot air balloons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $11M 19% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $6.3M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $6.1M 11% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $26M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $13M 17% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $3.5M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $78M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for hot air balloons
Brazil classifies hot air balloons under NCM 8801.00.00: HS 8801.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hot air balloons
What is the HS code for Hot air balloons?
The HS code for Hot air balloons is 880100 (Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.). The HS code for hot air balloons, dirigibles, and other non-powered aircraft is 8801.00.
How do I classify Hot air balloons for customs?
Hot air balloons is classified under HS code 880100 — Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the propane burners classified separately?
If the burner is imported as part of a complete hot air balloon system, it is classified under 8801.00. If imported separately, it may be classified under 8416 or 8807 depending on its design.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot air balloons (HS 880100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880100 (the code used for hot air balloons) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($11M, 19% of world exports), South Africa ($6.3M) and Spain ($6.1M). World exports came to about $57M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of hot air balloons (HS 880100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880100 (the code used for hot air balloons) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($26M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($13M) and Morocco ($3.5M). World imports came to about $78M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Hot air balloons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880100 for Hot air balloons is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for hot air balloons in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot air balloons (HS 880100) is classified under NCM 8801.00.00.